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Mentor program continues with help from L.A.C.E.

The freshman mentoring program at Huntington North High School is continuing this year, thanks to a grant from L.A.C.E. (Local Anti-Drug Coalition Effort).

L.A.C.E. has funded the mentoring and freshman orientation programs at HNHS for nine years.

The mentoring program is designed to help incoming freshmen make the transition to high school and offer a support structure that will help freshmen make good choices when it comes to drugs, relationships, academics, emotional issues and other areas.

The 115 freshman mentors attended two days of training, learning about suicide prevention, synthetic drugs, how to handle difficult situations and when to turn to authorities or guidance counselors.

The mentors met with the 475 incoming freshmen during an orientation program on Aug. 9, providing tours of the school and helping them find their classes and lockers.

Huntington resident Steve Mason, whose son was killed in a 2004 accident involving a drunk driver, discussed the effects of drinking and driving and the consequences of being with others who drink and drive.

The mentors will continue to meet with the freshmen during the first semester of the school year, helping with homework, talking about problems and encouraging them to become involved in school activities.